Thimphu sightseeing- 12 places to explore in this capital city of Bhutan

Thimphu is the most surprising city to be visited ever in Bhutan. This capital city of Bhutan is unlike the other capitals of the world.

Each city is different in its way but Thimphu is unique, beautiful and blissful. This will surely make you spend few more days in this capital city. So, let us take you through the list of places forsightseeing in Thimphu with a little bit of introduction to be known by you.

An introduction to Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. It is the recently made capital of Bhutan with Punakha being the earlier capital of Bhutan. It is also:

Places to visit in Thimphu for a peaceful tour

While there a lot of places to visit in Thimphu, here is a list of places which you must see while being on your next trip to Bhutan.

1- Changangkha Lhakhang:

It is perched on the top of the ridge and is considered to be the oldest temple of Thimphu. The temple was built in 12th century by housing the central statue of Chenrizig. It also gives the most beautiful example of Bhutanese faith, tradition, and architecture.

Highlights: During the evening, this place offers a great opportunity of witnessing a spectacular sight of the sun setting in the city. You can also drop by the paper workshop to see the paper-making process.

Location: Thimphu, Bhutan

Timing: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

2- Trashichoe Dzong:

Built-in 1216 AD, Trashichoe Dzong is situated above Thimphu. It is a splendid city to be discovered on the west banks of the Wang Chhu which provides the city both beauty and splendor. It hosts one of the biggest annual festivals of the city spreading colorful festivity all around.

Highlights: The venue for the most significant Buddhist celebrations

Location: Thimphu, Bhutan

Timing: 5:00 am to 6:00 pm from Monday to Friday

8:00 am to 6:00 pm from Saturday to Sunday, and till 5:00 pm in the winter season

3- Clock Tower Square:

It is a famous landmark in the capital city of Bhutan. The tower consists of four clocks on each side along with beautiful carvings and paintings. And, it is the splendid architecture which depicts the tradition and artworks of Bhutan.

Highlights: Spend some time in the square to witness the life of Bhutanese people. Savor the delicious cuisines in the restaurants. You can also get lucky to enjoy the concerts which take place.

Location: Norzin Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan

4- Weekend Market:

The Weekend Market has stalled on both the sides of the Wang Chhu River; this place is filled with vendors from all over the region. They start arriving on Thursday or Friday and stay there till Sunday night. It is a must visit place when you step out for Thimphu local sightseeing.

Highlights: This area has an incense-filled with the different aroma of raw ingredients, fruits, and vegetables. You will get pink cubes of saffron to flavor the holy water.

Location: Thimphu, Bhutan

Timing: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm from Saturday to Sunday

5- The Folk Heritage Museum:

This museum is a three-story timber building which was established in 2001. It looks like a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. It also seems like it has been furnished about centuries ago. It will also provide you with an insight into the Bhutanese lifestyle and architecture.

6- Thimphu Chorten:

It is one of the most religious places in Thimphu for Bhutanese people. Throughout the day people walk around the perimeter of the Chorten which is considered a holy ritual. It depicts an outstanding illustration of Buddhist culture and architecture.

Highlights: After going inside the Chorten, you can climb to the top floor to experience tranquillity.

Location: Doeboom Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan

Timing: 7:00 am to 9:00 am

7- Choki Traditional Art School:

It is not an ordinary school, but this institute teaches underprivileged children. This school was built in the memory of the fourth king of Bhutan. The dedication and harmony this school portrays, give the most excellent example of the kingdom’s most beautiful tradition.

Highlights: You can witness the handicrafts; the students will act like guides within the institute. It also has a gift shop where the authentic items are sold.

Location: Thimphu, Bhutan

Timing: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from Monday to Saturday

8- National Library:

Established in 1967, the National Library of Bhutan houses a wide collection of 6100 Bhutanese and Tibetan books. It has 9000 printing boards and wooden printing blocks for religious books. It is also a building which holds the popularity of the Buddhist literature in the entire world.

Highlights: It is a two-storied building with staffs, administrative office, technical equipment like computers, microfilm section, wooden books’ section, etc.

Location: Thimphu

Timing: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday from March to October

9:30 am to 4:00 pm from Monday to Friday from November to February

9- Simply Bhutan:

It is a must-visit place in Thimphu. Simply Bhutan is a museum which will give you an insight into the lifestyle lead by the Bhutanese people. You can get a taste or relive the life of the Bhutanese people by experiencing the traditional lifestyle of Bhutan.

Highlights: The museum has an inspiring program which engages Bhutanese youth in the preservation of the local culture.

10- Buddha Dordenma Statue:

Buddha Dordenma or Buddha Point is the world’s most massive statue located in the middle of the Kuensel Phodrang National Park. This is a famous tourist spot found near the city. You can also get a good view of the Thimphu Valley from the Buddha point to make your Thimphu tour memorable.

Highlights: The colossal statue of 169 feet which is made of bronze and gold is visible from every corner of the city. You can also walk around and offer prayers and take a walk around the valley.

Location: Thimphu, Bhutan

11- Simtokha Dzong:

Built in 1627, Simtokha Dzong is situated on a low ridge at a distance of 8 kilometers down the valley from Thimphu. It is one of the smallest and the oldest Dzong of Thimphu. Besides the Dzong, there is an institute for Language and Cultural studies.

Highlights: It has a series of 300 finely worked slate carvings and prayer wheels in the courtyard

Location: Thimphu, Bhutan

Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday and Saturday to Sunday

12- Handicrafts Market:

The handicrafts market of Thimphu is also known as the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts market. These authentic bazaars are built with bamboos lining neatly in a row. These shops sell colorful and authentic handicrafts in Bhutan.

Highlights: You can look for beautifully embroidered attires, souvenirs, decorative items, and beautiful pieces of jewelry.

Location: At the center of the capital city Thimphu, Bhutan

Are you planning to visit Thimphu on your next trip?

Thimphu is indeed the capital city of Bhutan which must be included in your list of major tourist attractions in Bhutan. If you are well-versed about the place or was not being able to explore Bhutan on your previous tour then this is a must place which will make you revisit Bhutan over and over again.